| Item Title: | Planning & Development-East Montana Water System Meter CDBG Grant |
| Submitted By: | Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015 |
| Subject: | Approve and authorize the Planning and Development Department to apply for the Texas Department of Agriculture 2019-2020 Community Development Fund grant in the amount of $275,000 for the replacement of approximately 1,508 outdated active-residential water meters within the East Montana Water System service area. No County match is required. |
| Background: | The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has announced the availability of Community & Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds for rural non-entitlement communities. The primary objective of the program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low- to moderate-income.
To date, the County has approximately 2,200 active water meters/services within water system and 264 future wastewater accounts as part of the East Montana Water System. El Paso Water (EPW) administers the system on behalf of the County and has notified the County for the need to upgrade the existing and outdated water meters, many of which date back to the original water systems that were purchased by the County in 1996. Water meters serve as both yardsticks and cash registers for modern water utilities. Not only do they provide information on water usage and help to determine potential losses in the system, but water usage as recorded through meters is the basis for water user fees and the majority of a utility’s recurring revenue. Inaccuracies in water meter readings mean a loss of revenue for the County. Meter inaccuracy also results in apparent losses affecting total Non-Revenue Water (NRW) calculation in a standard water audit and reported total losses to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) the required annual report.
Part of the proposal includes the County funding the replacement of active meters that exceed the grant amount utilizing Enterprise funds from the East Montana Water System. The existing breakdown of meters in the water system is as follows:
- 1,832 Active Residential Meters
- 324 Currently Being Replaced-Vista del Este System Upgrades
- 1,508-Remaining Active Residential Meters Requiring Replacement
- 1,358-Meter Replacements Covered by Grant
- 150-Meters Requiring Replacement by Local Funds
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| Fiscal Impact: | No County match is required, however, staff recommends funding replacement of additional 150 active residential meters in the service area as part of the grant process.
Additional Meters: 150
Cost/Meter: $202.40
Total Local Match: $30,360
Funds Available in the East Montana Water System Enterprise Fund |
| Recommendation: | Approve and authorize the Planning and Development Department to apply for the Texas Department of Agriculture 2019-2020 Community Development Fund grant in the amount of $275,000 for the replacement of approximately 1,508 outdated active-residential water meters within the East Montana Water System service area. No County match is required. |
| Prior Action: | |
| Strategic Plan: | .. |
| Strategic Plan Information: | 2019--FS-3
Future Water/Wastewater County Business |